J I E M I N

Reflections

I really enjoy doing this project “Mapping Asia”, along side with my 3 other team mates (Shu Hui, Jennifer and Josephine) who made this project a success. Their contributions and ideas were fantastic. The initial stage was kind of confusing as we hopped from one idea to another. Josephine knew the most in our team and whenever I had any questions about colonialism she was able to share the information with me almost immediately. I was in awe to the amount of information she was able to talk about. To be honest, I really know nothing about colonialism trade route and the history between each countries. She spurred me to find out more information and understand our history better. The time we spent together to fix up the mini models were great. Each us contributed to different sections. Jennifer and Shu hui, did the cutting, Josephine made the print of the sea and the countries and I fixed up the model after every pieces were cut out in proportion. It was our first time at IM lab and the things they do were interesting. That was a distraction but nonetheless, we were focussed in creating our the mini model. Jennifer had the most quirky tools ever. She bought the portable lights and she had a whole box of tools from various outlets. It was fun to know about it! She gets excited in every little thing. Shu Hui did the layout for our catalogue entry, wall text and object label. I really love the outcome. That is the reason why she is in Viscom now. The final touch for the whole project was the ships! We googled to find out how to fold the ships and we all did it together. It was really fun as we folded from huge ones to the really miniature ones as displayed on the mini models. The mini ships were an indication of where the British landed. The slightly bigger ships follows the trade route of the 4 main countries. We were debating on the colours and we finally decided to use 1 single colour to signify British and we chose brown because of the wooden ships in the past. This were the small details that we were arguing about but yet having fun, folding numerous ships and challenging the various sizes. Sadly to say, as we were having so much fun, we totally forget to document our process.

On our last day of presentation, there were plenty projects that were done up beautifully. I love the chinoiserie with the barbie, having tea and enjoying the view of the pagoda. It will be really nice if the viewers will be able to participate in that as well instead of having a wax figure. I was thinking if we can put on the dress that Queen Elizabeth Anson wore and take a picture in it. It will be a nice keepsake for the audience and with interaction, I believe they will know and remember more. The other project I like was the book “Where is Home?” on European furniture. The layout was interesting. The way they bind the books with wooden slab and having the pop up furnitures within the book. I believe it will entice the younger generation too. If only they make it more like a children’s book in terms of font and the overall colour scheme, it will be more fun and interactive. The kids might be excited to find out more.

In all, I really enjoy the process throughout the whole course. We were taken from one country to the other, looking at items that I have no knowledge of or understanding the history through paintings. The pace was great. It was never too fast for a beginner like me. It was nice to bring us out to the various museums too. The guided tour from ACM and Michelle from NUS museum, they provide plenty insightful knowledge which was relatively new to me. Although I have seen the portraits at NUS museum before but this trip gave me more information. The process and figuring out if it was hand painted or colour printed. The meet up with Debbie Ding, thanks to her, we were able to know more in depth knowledge of her project. It is amazing to see how she is able to make a connection with the present day technology(3d printing) to the past, creating day to day objects that changes in monthly basis. This goes to show how fast our world is keeping up with development and modernisation.

Thank you!

Additional Facts – Burma

North Burma map

Click on the link to have a better view of the map. Burma gone through three wars with the British in order to gain independence for their country. Nevertheless, the war was not initiated based on ungrounded reasons.

Burma was seen as a remarkable geographical position. Bounded by India, China and Siam. It also has unbroken coastline extending for several hundred miles along the north east of the bay of bengal. The coast was seen as a natural harbor of great commercial values. Due to the arrogant Burmese king who disregarded the English,resulted in the first Anglo-Burmese war and the British took over Rangoon. When they set foot on rangoon, they realised that the city was deserted.

2nd burmese war, the British took over Bassein, Prome and Pegu. The king of burmese has no access to the sea. Another ruler Mindohn Min took the throne and they accepted the english and signed the treaty of commerce. That was when Rangoon thrived. Prosperous port, justice was administered and education was encouraged.

Lower Burma has been nearly half a century under the British rule. It has proved to be the most profitable province of the Indian Empire. Before 1850, not more than 125 vessels were at the port of Rangoon but in 1894-95, it is officially reported that 6335 vessels were engaged in the seaborne trade of Burma. British conquests of Burma followed by peace, the suppression of dacoity, good government by increased trade and the control of the mountain races. With the influx of foreigners, buildings bear numerous traits from various countries. They were all majestic with corinthian pillars, mostly italian looking structures and tile designs. One of the building built in 1919 by Mr lim Chin Song bears the chinese looking roof tiles and Chinese characters.

During WWII where the burmese population took the chance to chase out the British, the country falls into the hands of the military, rejecting all foreign influx. That resulted in the country’s economic stagnation. Due to Myanmar’s economic stagnation and isolation from the outside world, many of the colonial buildings were unaffected from modernisation.Yangon has the largest collection of colonial architectures in South East Asia.

Due to the arrogance of the king, leads to multiple wars and due to the socialist event, the country was in devastation. The country could have survived better if they did not isolate themselves, forcing all foreigners out. Yet, looking at it positively, we are able to retain a large pool of colonial architecture. Most of the information I found many books that talked about the process but none really go in depth on the various design of the architecture. I could not find any documentation even at the National Library.

However, with this project, I was able to understand the colonial route better, about the history of Singapore as well as Burma. I was not familiar with the colonial history at all to be honest and I thought that this project brought me back in time to explore and wander along the sea trade route.

http://www.britishempire.co.uk/maproom/burma.htm

Catalogue Entry- Burma [Final]

British Burma – Old Rangoon

By Lim Jie Min

Empires maintained their influences through the domination of other countries for the expansion of their country’s social and political benefits. The battle for Burma commenced in year 1824 when the European settlers began their colonial conquest to explore and exploit the Asia territories for their natural reserves. Burma as a rich agricultural country was inevitably seen as a potential resource to the British Empire. With the forceful intrusion of the western powers, they controlled the political and economics of the Burmese population resulting in a stagnation of the country’s development.

Rangoon presently known as Yangon, situated at lower Burma became an important pier between Calcutta and Singapore. It soon became the capital of Burma, the third busiest port and a direct financial hub for the British Empire. Before the end of World War II, 6 decades of British rules lasted till 1948, Rangoon was a modern and thriving city. Trade once flourished near the banks.

It was evident that the city was filled with foreigners from various countries which accounted to the diverse architectural style. Art Deco and Neo-Classical elements stood out. One of the colonial buildings once boasted the wealth of the Empire was the Sofaer’s Building. The building brandished with Italian ornaments and various decorative influences was designed by Isaac Sofaer, a Jewish émigré from Baghdad. The floor tiles with rich earth coloured mosaics were imported from Manchester, England. Luxurious commodities such as Egyptian cigarettes, Western candies and German beers were traded in Sofaer. Apart from goods, the building had influential legal and financial corporations as well as the Reuters Telegraph Company.

The natives were displeased with their invasion as they were disrespectful to their culture. This led to the unification of the burmese population leading them towards nationalism. In 1962, the country fell into the hands of the military. With a strong national sentiments, General Ne Win introduced a new regime, ”the socialist and isolationist programme” where all foreign companies were rejected from the country resulted in an economic declination. Due to Myanmar’s economic stagnation and isolation from the outside world, many of the colonial buildings were unaffected from modernisation.Yangon has the largest collection of colonial architectures in South East Asia.

Now, as Myanmar the present name of Burma, reopens to the outside world, modern development threatens to demolish the remaining architectures for accommodations and offices. The history of the cities are not taught in school at all. Rangoon was the place where Myanmar people learnt to be modern and connect with the outside world.Tint Lwin, who taught English in one of the surviving colonial building, mentioned that he does not see the period as a state of tyranny but he understands and accepted them as part of Myanmar’s heritage.

Yangon is a cultural site that has not accustomed to modernity unlike Hong Kong and Singapore where colonial icons are a rare sight. As mentioned by Ian Morley, an assistant professor in the history department at Chinese University of Hong kong, Yangon retained the lost sense of time as compared to Singapore and Hong Kong where the country lost the historical integrity from the late 1800s and 1900s.

Many buildings in Rangoon were left vacant and dilapidated in 2005 when the government decided to switch the main capital to Naypyidaw. Rangoon’s infrastructures were close to destruction and the occupants believed that a redevelopment of the city is mandatory. Despite the situation, the people from the previous generation who experienced the “Burmese Way to Socialism” policy were not in favour to preserve the heritage as they believed the architecture represented the British and not them. This created a dispute in conservation. However, The challenge now is to preserve the historical site supported by Corinthian pillars, courthouses decorated with limestone lions, and shipping warehouses laid with dark wood and brass fixtures before they crumble.

Sources

I.S. (2014, January 7). The way the old capital crumbles. Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2014/01/yangons-heritage

REVOLINSKI, K. (2015, January 2). Walking Through Yangon’s Colonial Past. Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.themadtraveleronline.com/articles/walking-through-yangons-colonial-past/

Rooney, S. (2012, June 6). Rangoon’s Rich Architecture. Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.travelandleisureasia.com/features/1414976/rangoons_rich_architecture.html

Baker, M. (2013, August 14). Saving Yangon. Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.smh.com.au/world/saving-yangon-20130813-2rubx.html

Jazeera, A. (2013, May 24). Restoring Rangoon. Retrieved November 1, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Vlzo8srTvQ

Langfitt, F. (2014, June 4). As Myanmar Modernizes, Architectural Gems Are Endangered. Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2014/06/04/299058830/as-myanmar-modernizes-architectural-gems-are-endangered

20131008 SBS Dateline 2 Myanmar – Colonial architecture in Rangoon. (2013, October 9). Retrieved November 2, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIjF3uwDoe4

Firang, S. (n.d.). Colonialism and Nationalism in Burma: A Contestation of an Embattled Country.

Object Label- Burma [Final]

Old Rangoon – Team 5 ( Burma)

By Lim Jie Min

With globalisation, everything undergoes modification to keep up with modernisation. Myanmar previously known as “Burma” is one of the countries with the most colonial buildings as they open up the doors to global activities recently after decades of isolation. Burma was colonised by the British in 1824 and Britain were there for the longest period.

Rangoon road was formerly the capital of Burma, bustling with activities and known to be a huge commercial district. There were 189 buildings constructed during the colonial period by settlers from various countries which accrued to diverse architecture style. Many of the buildings were once glamorous, affixed with the best marble from Italy, iron columns from Manchester, and designs appropriated from the most famous architectural styles across the globe.

Despite the situation, the people from the previous generation who experienced the “Burmese Way to Socialism” policy were not in favour to preserve the heritage as they believed the architecture represented the British and not them. This created a dispute in conservation. Nonetheless, the buildings are part of Burma’s heritage and culture. The architectures tell stories that are long gone. Preserving the structure enables the next generation to understand the history of the country. They are after all buildings used by the locals for more than 60 over years. This is no longer the British or the Indians anymore.

The challenge now is to preserve the historical site supported by Corinthian pillars, courthouses decorated with limestone lions, and shipping warehouses laid with dark wood and brass fixtures before they crumble.

Catalogue Entries – Burma

Empires maintained their influences through the domination of other countries for the expansion of their country’s social and political benefits. The battle for Burma commenced in year 1824 when the European settlers began their colonial conquest to explore and exploit the Asia territories for their natural reserves. Burma as a rich agricultural country was inevitably seen as a potential resource to the British Empire. With the forceful intrusion of the western powers, they control the political and economics of the Burmese population resulting in a stagnation of the country’s development.

Battle attack Rangoon, 1824

This picture shows the fleet bombarding Rangoon as troops moved forward to assault the shore in an early example of a seaborne invasion.

Rangoon presently known as Yangon, became the capital of British Burma and an important port between Calcutta and Singapore. It was the 3rd busiest port and a direct financial hub for the British Empire. Before the end of World War II, 6 decades of British rules lasted till 1948, Rangoon was a modern and thriving city. Trade once flourished near the banks.

It was evident that the city was filled with foreigners from various countries which accounted to the diverse architectural style. Art Deco and Neo-Classical elements stand out. One of the colonial buildings once boasted the wealth of the Empire was the Sofaer’s Building. Designed by Isaac Sofaer, a Jewish émigré from Baghdad, the building drew on a variety of aesthetic influences. Its luxurious exterior was accented with Italianate flourishes. The floor tiles—a mosaic pattern of green, gold, burnt sienna and lapis lazuli—were shipped from Manchester, England. Sofaer traded in luxury goods – Egyptian cigarettes, English sweets and German beers. This building housed the offices of leading legal and financial firms and the Reuters Telegraph Company.

Sofaer’s building ( Presently)

The natives were displeased with their invasion as they were disrespectful to their culture. This led to the unification of the burmese population leading them towards nationalism. In 1962, the country fell into the hands of the military. With a strong national sentiments, General Ne win introduced a new regime, ”the socialist and isolationist programme” where all foreign companies were rejected from the country resulted in an economic declination. Due to Myanmar’s economic stagnation and isolation from the outside world, many of the colonial buildings were unaffected from modernisation.Yangon has the largest collection of colonial architectures in South East Asia.

Now, as Myanmar the present name of Burma, reopens to the outside world, modern development threatens to demolish the remaining architectures for accommodations and offices. The history of the cities were not taught in school at all. Rangoon is the place where Myanmar people learnt to be modern and connect with the outside world. Tint Lwin, who has taught English in a colonial-era building, mentioned that he doesn’t see them as symbols of oppression; he sees them as part of Myanmar’s heritage. Yangon is a cultural site that has not accustomed to modernity unlike Hong Kong and Singapore where colonial icons are a rare sight.

“Yangon has captured a sense of time that has been lost in Singapore and Hong Kong,” says Ian Morley, an assistant professor in the history department at Chinese University of Hong Kong. “You have this downtown environment, which is relatively intact. It’s got a sense of historical integrity as it was built from the late 1800s and early 1900s.”

In 2005, the government moved to a new capital, Naypyidaw, leaving many buildings vacant. Rangoon’s infrastructures were close to destruction and the occupants believed that a redevelopment of the city is mandatory. Despite the situation, the people from the previous generation who experienced the “Burmese Way to Socialism” policy were not in favour to preserve the heritage as they believed the architecture represented the British and not them. This strikes a dispute in conservation. However, the challenge now is to salvage banks flanked by Corinthian pillars, courthouses adorned with limestone lions, and shipping headquarters decorated with dark wood and brass fixtures before they crumble.

Sources

I.S. (2014, January 7). The way the old capital crumbles. Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2014/01/yangons-heritage

REVOLINSKI, K. (2015, January 2). Walking Through Yangon’s Colonial Past. Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.themadtraveleronline.com/articles/walking-through-yangons-colonial-past/

Rooney, S. (2012, June 6). Rangoon’s Rich Architecture. Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.travelandleisureasia.com/features/1414976/rangoons_rich_architecture.html

Baker, M. (2013, August 14). Saving Yangon. Retrieved November 1, 2015, from http://www.smh.com.au/world/saving-yangon-20130813-2rubx.html

Jazeera, A. (2013, May 24). Restoring Rangoon. Retrieved November 1, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Vlzo8srTvQ

20131008 SBS Dateline 2 Myanmar – Colonial architecture in Rangoon. (2013, October 9). Retrieved November 2, 2015, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIjF3uwDoe4

Firang, S. (n.d.). Colonialism and Nationalism in Burma: A Contestation of an Embattled Country.

Week 5 journal

How have artists made us think about labor? This past weekend, I saw this wonderful intervention by a dance company in Singapore in making us think about the migrant laborers in Singapore. They foregrounded the laborers by placing them on stage, by responding to their poems, and by inviting them to watch this celebration of their lives. Share with the class an image or a article that brings up this issue of labor.

Artists uses various mediums to put across their personal thoughts or a certain perspective to the public. Moving images gave the most impact with a combination of sound effect and computer graphics. I personally enjoyed the movie ” Les Miserables”. It is not a work in a gallery per se but I believed they conveyed a strong message on the issues of labor.

It is an adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1862 French novel. The plot was about a convict Jean Valjean released on parole by prison guard Javert after serving a nineteen-year sentence for stealing a loaf of bread and numerous escape attempts. For the start, the movie emphasised on the tough ordeals the prisoners went through while serving terms in prison. They were required to carry heavy ship components that was almost impossible for most humans. The protagonist’s strength also became part of his identity after his escape.

Les Miserables portrayed the rugged life of the people in the past brilliantly. They were charged because they were hungry. They worked because they didn’t have a choice. The movie gave me great insights of the prisoners’ condition. They might have edone something wrong but a prisoner does not equate to slaves. Prisoners are humans too. They have their rights. Apart from prisoners, women seeked to be prostitutes to earn money. The living condition was as good as hell. The movie were shot so well that I felt I was part of them. I never could have imagine to grow up in such an environment and was glad that I am fortunate enough to be born in this era.

Week 6 Journal

What is a family portrait? What are some famous family portraits? How would you take a family portrait now?

Portraits taken via photography in the past looked gloomy and rigid as they were not able to hold on to a smile for a long time. Cameras were bulky back then and most portrait shots were taken in a studio to minimise movements. In the current generation, everyone has a mobile phone with a camera function. We are able to take instant shots almost anywhere anytime, unlike the past. Images taken are less restrictive and people do not conform to a particular posture.

Family portraits now feels more intimate. We are able to see the interaction between the parents and the child. Through the photographs, we are able to see the relationship and the family ties.

I’m not sure what are some famous family portraits but I really love this image shot by Dorothea Lange.

She is documentary photographer. She documented the Depression-Era in America, capturing families in despair. Families who were trapped in the financial crisis that was swamping the country. This is unlike the usual family portraits in the studio. Family portraits in the studio portrays the family conditions in a different manner. We are able to tell the status of the family via their dressing. The portraits taken were probably solely for keepsake.

For Dorothea Lange images, she conveyed a message to the public. We are able to see the emotions in that one single image. The hunger and misery the family went through. It is a powerful and different family portrait in my opinion.

Week 7 Journal

If you could have a room of your own, how would you set about decorating it? Chinoiserie? Japonaiserie? Check out the video about a Chinoiserie room on this web site: http://www.gladstonehotel.com/spaces/417-chinoiserie-room/

If i could build a room from scratch, I would definitely go for the Japonaiserie style. I love their technique in woodblock printings. The Japanese Art style can be seen uniquely to their country. However, for Chinoiserie, the western culture seems to have a heavy influence in the style. The colors used were less vibrant.

Apart from the design, I am particularly interested in the Japanese architecture style. A book named ” In praise of shadows”, documenting in details on the old Japanese architecture. They were fascinated with natural light and how it was form in the interior that became part of the design. The Japanese disliked the western invention such as the ceramic bowls that replaced lacquerware in Japan The mass produced items were less attractive as compared to the lacquerware that was fused with gold leaves. With minimal light, the gold leaves would appear to be glowing.

There was a part in the book that mentioned about an old eatery that used to use candles to lit the interior. However, after a few years, the store was forced to replaced it with artificial lighting for fear of fire incidents and the customers were skeptical. The author was disappointed to see the replacement. I am disappointed as well as there were close to zero shops that made used of candles or gas lamps as their primary source of light. Mostly used it for decorative purposes.

The Japanese were very particular with the material use for their washroom as well. I am impressed that they really go down to the details of the material use for the toilet bowl and the overall aesthetic. In general, they prefer wood then any other material as it is more towards the naturalistic element.

In conclusion, I felt that the Japanese pays a lot of attention to the minute details. It is not just a room for resting but a place that nurtures spiritual thinking and the ease of living.

Week 8 Journal

What was your favorite object from today’s visit to the Asian Civilizations Museum?

The object I love most was the “Ship cloth”.

Date/Period: Late 19th century

Region: Lampung, south Sumatra, Indonesia

Dimension: 50 x 244.9 cm

Collection of: Asian Civilisations Museum

Category: Textiles

I love the intricate and stylised designs on the cloth. At a glance, I could not figure out the most important motif – the ship. It took me awhile to recognise it and I thought it was really beautiful with the play of colours. I like it how every single details has a specific meaning to it. I first thought that the ship would be about traveling the world or the trade routes with different sort of exotic animals but it’s not. The ship was to transport you from this realm to the after realm, a temporary world. According to our guide, she mentioned that the natives were fascinated with the after life. They hope to embark on a smooth journey to the netherworld.

The afterlife was never a concern to most people in the current century. The things that we will do now are mostly burning of incense paper or joss stick based on the buddhist culture. We are taking care of the logistics after we “arrived” there but the creator of the cloth were concerned of the journey to the after realm. The ancestors were woven in as well to protect the receiver. Apart from painting, I like it how they were able to weave their concerns and emotions on a piece of textile to convey the message. Nevertheless, the process was also commendable. Till now, I’m still unsure how were they able to weave and cut out the designs on the cloth. It is just simply amazing with their creation.

Sources

http://www.sgcool.sg/eMP/eMuseumPlus?service=ExternalInterface&module=collection&objectId=127876&viewType=detailView

Individual Object label

Burma previously know as ” Myanmar” is one of the countries with the most colonial buildings. Myanmar was colonised by British in 1824 and the Britain were there for the longest period. During the colonial period, Rangoon road served as the capital of the city, bustling with activities. There were 40 to 50 buildings constructed in that vicinity. Many of the buildings were once glamorous, affixed with the best marble from Italy, iron columns from Manchester, and designs appropriated from the most famous architectural styles across the globe.

Overview of the Old state Secretariat Building, Yangon Myanmar

Stairwell at the Old state Secretariat Building, Yangon Myanmar

The Secretariat building, once the nerve center of British colonial rule and later the site upon which General Aung San, father of opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, was gunned down with most of his cabinet in 1947. The building played an important role in the history of Myanmar.

The “Burma Colonial Architectures” sparked a demand in preservation in recent years as up to 35% of the buildings were bulldozed to give way to the modernised cityscape. The architectures were in dire state. Some were even destroyed due to the earthquake in 1930s or give way to widen street in the 1990s.

Despite the situation, the people from the previous generation who experienced the “Burmese Way to Socialism” policy were not in favour to preserve the heritage as they believed the architecture represented the British and not them. This strikes a dispute in conservation. Nonetheless, it is still part of Burma’s heritage and culture. The architectures tells stories that are long gone. Preserving the architectures enables the descendants to understand the history of the country better. It is still buildings used by the locals for more than 60 over years. This is no longer the British or the Indians anymore.

The challenge now is to salvage banks flanked by Corinthian pillars, courthouses adorned with limestone lions, and shipping headquarters decorated with dark wood and brass fixtures before they crumble.

Sources

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/may/04/saving-rangoon-the-battle-for-burmas-ancient-and-colonial-heritage

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/burma/11915293/Burma-The-fight-to-save-Yangons-crumbling-colonial-buildings.html

http://www.myanmars.net/myanmar-travel/myanmar-yangon/colonial-buildings-yangon.htm

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2013/0624/Myanmar-to-preserve-buildings-of-the-British-Raj

Timeline – http://edition.cnn.com/2013/07/30/world/asia/myanmar-fast-facts/index.html